This is What Causes a 404 Error When Switching to WordPress Multisite (And How to Fix It)
Migrating your WordPress site to a Multisite network can be a powerful move, allowing you to manage multiple sites from a single installation. However, it's not uncommon to encounter a 404 "Not Found" error when making this transition. This can be a real headache, as it interrupts the user experience and can negatively impact your website's performance and SEO.
In this article, we'll dive into the common causes of the 404 error when switching to WordPress Multisite, and provide you with proven solutions to get your site back on track.
Understanding the 404 Error in WordPress Multisite
The 404 "Not Found" error in WordPress Multisite typically occurs when the system is unable to locate the requested resource, such as a post, page, or other content. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Incorrect permalink structure: When you switch to Multisite, the default permalink structure may change, causing the system to be unable to find your existing content.
- Incomplete database migration: If the migration process didn't properly transfer all of your site's data, including post and page information, the system may not be able to locate the correct content.
- Plugin conflicts: Some plugins may not be compatible with the Multisite setup, causing conflicts that result in 404 errors.
- Caching issues: Caching plugins or server-level caching can sometimes cause 404 errors if the cache isn't properly cleared or updated during the Multisite migration.
Understanding the potential causes of the 404 error is the first step in resolving the issue. Now, let's dive into the solutions.
Solution 1: Verify and Correct the Permalink Structure
One of the most common causes of 404 errors in a WordPress Multisite setup is an incorrect permalink structure. To fix this, follow these steps:
- Log in to your WordPress Multisite network admin dashboard.
- Go to "Network Admin" > "Sites" and select the site that's displaying the 404 error.
- Click on "Edit" to access the site's settings.
- Scroll down to the "Permalinks" section and ensure that the permalink structure matches your previous single-site setup. If it's different, update it accordingly.
- Click "Save Changes" to apply the new permalink structure.
After making this change, clear your browser cache and test the affected pages or posts. The 404 error should be resolved, and your content should now be accessible.
Solution 2: Verify and Correct the Database Migration
If the 404 error persists, the issue may be related to an incomplete or incorrect database migration. Follow these steps to ensure the database is properly synced:
- Access your WordPress Multisite network admin dashboard.
- Go to "Network Admin" > "Database" and click on "Check Database".
- Review the results to see if any issues are reported. If so, follow the recommended steps to repair the database.
- If the "Check Database" tool doesn't reveal any issues, try manually exporting the database from your previous single-site setup and importing it into your new Multisite network.
Be sure to back up your database before making any changes, just in case something goes wrong during the migration process.
Solution 3: Deactivate and Reactivate Plugins
Certain plugins may not be compatible with the Multisite setup, leading to 404 errors. To troubleshoot this, try the following:
- Access the "Network Admin" dashboard and go to "Plugins".
- Deactivate all plugins on the network.
- Clear your browser cache and test the affected pages or posts again.
- If the 404 error is resolved, start reactivating your plugins one by one, testing the site after each activation.
- If the 404 error reappears after reactivating a specific plugin, that plugin is likely the culprit. You can either look for a Multisite-compatible version of the plugin or consider finding an alternative that works with your Multisite setup.
Remember to keep a close eye on your site's performance and user experience as you reactivate plugins, to ensure that the 404 error doesn't resurface.
Solution 4: Clear Caching and Flush Rewrite Rules
Caching issues can also contribute to 404 errors in a WordPress Multisite environment. Follow these steps to clear the cache and flush the rewrite rules:
- Access the "Network Admin" dashboard and go to "Settings" > "Network Settings".
- Scroll down to the "Network Options" section and click the "Flush Network Rewrite Rules" button.
- If you're using a caching plugin, such as W3 Total Cache or WP Rocket, go to the plugin's settings and clear the cache for your entire Multisite network.
- If you're using server-level caching, such as Varnish or Nginx, make sure to clear the cache at the server level as well.
After clearing the cache and flushing the rewrite rules, test the affected pages or posts again. The 404 error should be resolved, and your content should now be accessible.
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Preventing Future 404 Errors in WordPress Multisite
To prevent future 404 errors in your WordPress Multisite setup, consider the following best practices:
- Carefully plan the migration: Before moving to Multisite, thoroughly research the process and plan the migration carefully. Ensure that all data is properly transferred, and the permalink structure is consistent across the network.
- Keep plugins up-to-date: Regularly update your Multisite-compatible plugins to the latest versions, as developers often address compatibility issues and bug fixes in their updates.
- Monitor your site's performance: Regularly check your site for any 404 errors or other issues, and address them promptly. Tools like Flowpoint.ai can help you identify and fix technical errors that impact your website's conversion rates.
- Implement a robust caching strategy: Use a reliable caching plugin or server-level caching to improve your site's performance, but be sure to clear the cache whenever making changes to your Multisite network.
By following these best practices, you can minimize the risk of 404 errors and ensure a smooth, seamless experience for your Multisite users.
In conclusion, the 404 "Not Found" error when switching to WordPress Multisite can be a frustrating issue, but it's often caused by a combination of factors, such as incorrect permalink structures, incomplete database migrations, plugin conflicts, and caching issues. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you can quickly identify and resolve the root cause of the 404 error, ensuring that your Multisite setup is functioning correctly and providing a great experience for your users.
If you're still struggling with 404 errors or other technical issues after migrating to WordPress Multisite, consider using a tool like Flowpoint.ai to help you identify and fix the underlying problems. Flowpoint's advanced analytics and AI-powered recommendations can be invaluable in optimizing the technical performance and user experience of your Multisite network